There's rarely anything in particular on tv that requires all my brain power. So like you - I often end up doing things that take up less mental capacity but need doing nonetheless.
When I want to be productive, even music is a distraction, unfortunately. Instead of writing, I'm singing along! :-)
My first financial resolution for this year is to set up an automatic savings withdrawal from my checking account into my ING savings. Second is to reduce (hopefully STOP) recreational shopping for the first quarter of the year. Hopefully this will become a new habit...
I really like the idea of deeply letting go of the things that aren't priorities in our life. How often do we hang on to things for one reason or another? I think deeply letting go is important, and yet - a great challenge for most of us.
I agree that you need to set high goals (and sometimes ones that you won't achieve) in order to push yourself, learn, and grow.
But also, it's important to set expectations that are realistic.
Which brings up the question: what is the difference between goals and expectations?
A big financial goal for me is to not spend money while at work, reducing unnecessary snacking is an added benefit! My husband and I are both working on spending less and saving more, it is reassuring to have someone else counting on you and keeping you in line with your goals.
I am being more frugal and hopefully environmentally friendly in my day to day life. I am making everything I can from home like shampoo, bath salts, dishwasher and laundry soap. I switched to cloth diapers and wipes and started making my own baby food. I am eating out less and cooking more meals at home with less convenience foods. I am planning a vacation, and these savings are going to make it happen.
I've often done the same thing.....flitting between a myriad of largely inconsequential tasks, and not truly getting anything substantial done after hours on end. That boils down to discipline, I think (at least for me it does). Get the big things done first; it will leave you feeling way more satisfied, then the small tasks will work their way in as well.
Seeing as the only debt I have is my car loan, my financial plans for this next year is to save as much money as possible for a down payment on a house. I have enough now to feel comfortable but more is always nice!
Actually, I'd wager that the number of manufactured crises or priority shifts when you're your own boss can be even worse - there isn't even anybody to blame! (ha ha)
I think within orgs and businesses, efficient communication and a very clear set of priorities that everybody is on board with is important for productivity.
Thank you for the reply. I have read so much in the past two weeks on this subject my brain is turning to mush. I read so many different ways that I am not sure if my first batch is any good. Here is what I have:
2 1/2 lbs corn meal
4 lbs sugar
2 packs reagular yeast
2 1/2 gallons distilled water
fermented 8 days stopped bubbleing
sp around .94ish
had a dry wine type taste
ran through pot still low and slow - took over 1 1/2 hours to reach temp
did not get anything out of worm until 195.4
through out first 100 ml
kept everything until around 198.8 - nice blue flame - Hydrometer read 74%
Kept everything seperate after 198.8 - 200.4 - 201.9 until 211
Had clear liquide and clear blue flame until 207 - started getting cloudy around 207
Am I anywere close to being on tract?
About what temp should I cut for tails?
Sorry for the long post but this is my first run and your the only one that I have found to help me. Thanks again
I've often set savings goals, but after creating the goals never put the requisite effort into fully accomplishing them. This year, I resolve to exercise more diligence in saving with a special focus on retirement. I've gotten started by setting up automatic payroll deposits into a savings account that's not accessible on a whim. In three months, I will reassess my budget and open a Roth IRA to complement my TSP.
Brian- from what you have described, you are ONLY fermenting the sugar you added. Since you only used 4 lbs....I'd double that, at least. The sugar needs to be in solution for the yeast to be able to effectively eat it.
The Corn- Corn contains starches. In order for corn (or any grain) to be useful in eth. production, first it must be cracked to allow the starches to get out. Next, it must be boiled for about an hour, to release the starches. THEN (very important) the starch must be converted to sugar so that the yeast can eat it. This happens naturally if the corn was malted (probably not). Otherwise, malt or enzymes needed to be added to the mixture in order for the corn starch to turn to sugar, thus be useful in ethanol production. If not......the corn ends up being just flavoring (which is just fine). You've no doubt heard of "single malt scotch". Well, that's whisky made from a single MALTED grain. Look up "malt" to learn specifically what's going on.
You could add another 6-8 lbs of sugar (dissolved in warm water) to the mixture and let it go until the bubbling more or less stops. Then it's ready. You'll have made eth. from just the sugar. It will smell a little like corn bread though.
Get the heck out of Maryland before it's time to tap my IRA, to avoid the 8% state + local income tax. And no, there is no corresponding lower real estate or sales (6%, 9% on alcohol) tax.
What I do while watching TV (two hours per night, usually) depends on how productive I've been (or felt I've been) the rest of the day. If I've been super-productive, I let TV be my break and don't do anything but snuggle with my husband.
If I haven't been productive, I usually end up doing something while watching TV.
Things I often do while watching TV: run the laundry, fold the dried laundry; mend clothes; organize the living room.
I've found that if I'm watching TV, that's my primary activity. The other thing I'm doing has to take up less of my mental capacity or it doesn't get done. If I actually want to be productive, I usually opt to listen to music/the radio.
Good one, Andrea! It's true that the lunch pantry and delivery tips are perfect for those on special diets as well. Gluten free, vegan, low glycemic and dairy free folks could definitely all benefit. Way to go on the breadless hot sandwich thing. Very clever.
There's rarely anything in particular on tv that requires all my brain power. So like you - I often end up doing things that take up less mental capacity but need doing nonetheless.
When I want to be productive, even music is a distraction, unfortunately. Instead of writing, I'm singing along! :-)
I like Wisebread on FB~
My first financial resolution for this year is to set up an automatic savings withdrawal from my checking account into my ING savings. Second is to reduce (hopefully STOP) recreational shopping for the first quarter of the year. Hopefully this will become a new habit...
I really like the idea of deeply letting go of the things that aren't priorities in our life. How often do we hang on to things for one reason or another? I think deeply letting go is important, and yet - a great challenge for most of us.
I agree that you need to set high goals (and sometimes ones that you won't achieve) in order to push yourself, learn, and grow.
But also, it's important to set expectations that are realistic.
Which brings up the question: what is the difference between goals and expectations?
....and all of that ultimately comes from within. Thanks for the wise words!
Our financial resolution for 2011 is for my fiance and I to save $10,000 towards a house we want to eventually purchase in 2-3 years.
A big financial goal for me is to not spend money while at work, reducing unnecessary snacking is an added benefit! My husband and I are both working on spending less and saving more, it is reassuring to have someone else counting on you and keeping you in line with your goals.
I am being more frugal and hopefully environmentally friendly in my day to day life. I am making everything I can from home like shampoo, bath salts, dishwasher and laundry soap. I switched to cloth diapers and wipes and started making my own baby food. I am eating out less and cooking more meals at home with less convenience foods. I am planning a vacation, and these savings are going to make it happen.
I've often done the same thing.....flitting between a myriad of largely inconsequential tasks, and not truly getting anything substantial done after hours on end. That boils down to discipline, I think (at least for me it does). Get the big things done first; it will leave you feeling way more satisfied, then the small tasks will work their way in as well.
Been a an on facebook for a while and liked you and the article!
Seeing as the only debt I have is my car loan, my financial plans for this next year is to save as much money as possible for a down payment on a house. I have enough now to feel comfortable but more is always nice!
Actually, I'd wager that the number of manufactured crises or priority shifts when you're your own boss can be even worse - there isn't even anybody to blame! (ha ha)
I think within orgs and businesses, efficient communication and a very clear set of priorities that everybody is on board with is important for productivity.
I already like you on FB!
I think when you try to be the best at everything you end up being a "jack of all trades, master of none". And that's none too satisfying for anybody!
I resolve to be more aware of my spending habits and focus more on saving. Maybe if I do it well enough, I can work a family trip into the budget!
I think when you try to be the best at everything you end up being a "jack of all trades, master of none". And that's none to satisfying for anybody!
Zorcy,
Thank you for the reply. I have read so much in the past two weeks on this subject my brain is turning to mush. I read so many different ways that I am not sure if my first batch is any good. Here is what I have:
2 1/2 lbs corn meal
4 lbs sugar
2 packs reagular yeast
2 1/2 gallons distilled water
fermented 8 days stopped bubbleing
sp around .94ish
had a dry wine type taste
ran through pot still low and slow - took over 1 1/2 hours to reach temp
did not get anything out of worm until 195.4
through out first 100 ml
kept everything until around 198.8 - nice blue flame - Hydrometer read 74%
Kept everything seperate after 198.8 - 200.4 - 201.9 until 211
Had clear liquide and clear blue flame until 207 - started getting cloudy around 207
Am I anywere close to being on tract?
About what temp should I cut for tails?
Sorry for the long post but this is my first run and your the only one that I have found to help me. Thanks again
I've often set savings goals, but after creating the goals never put the requisite effort into fully accomplishing them. This year, I resolve to exercise more diligence in saving with a special focus on retirement. I've gotten started by setting up automatic payroll deposits into a savings account that's not accessible on a whim. In three months, I will reassess my budget and open a Roth IRA to complement my TSP.
My resolution is to not use our credit cards for anything, CASH ONLY!
Brian- from what you have described, you are ONLY fermenting the sugar you added. Since you only used 4 lbs....I'd double that, at least. The sugar needs to be in solution for the yeast to be able to effectively eat it.
The Corn- Corn contains starches. In order for corn (or any grain) to be useful in eth. production, first it must be cracked to allow the starches to get out. Next, it must be boiled for about an hour, to release the starches. THEN (very important) the starch must be converted to sugar so that the yeast can eat it. This happens naturally if the corn was malted (probably not). Otherwise, malt or enzymes needed to be added to the mixture in order for the corn starch to turn to sugar, thus be useful in ethanol production. If not......the corn ends up being just flavoring (which is just fine). You've no doubt heard of "single malt scotch". Well, that's whisky made from a single MALTED grain. Look up "malt" to learn specifically what's going on.
You could add another 6-8 lbs of sugar (dissolved in warm water) to the mixture and let it go until the bubbling more or less stops. Then it's ready. You'll have made eth. from just the sugar. It will smell a little like corn bread though.
Get the heck out of Maryland before it's time to tap my IRA, to avoid the 8% state + local income tax. And no, there is no corresponding lower real estate or sales (6%, 9% on alcohol) tax.
What I do while watching TV (two hours per night, usually) depends on how productive I've been (or felt I've been) the rest of the day. If I've been super-productive, I let TV be my break and don't do anything but snuggle with my husband.
If I haven't been productive, I usually end up doing something while watching TV.
Things I often do while watching TV: run the laundry, fold the dried laundry; mend clothes; organize the living room.
I've found that if I'm watching TV, that's my primary activity. The other thing I'm doing has to take up less of my mental capacity or it doesn't get done. If I actually want to be productive, I usually opt to listen to music/the radio.
This year I resolve to track my spending better and be debt-free!
Good one, Andrea! It's true that the lunch pantry and delivery tips are perfect for those on special diets as well. Gluten free, vegan, low glycemic and dairy free folks could definitely all benefit. Way to go on the breadless hot sandwich thing. Very clever.